Political speed dating proves popular at Sidmouth College

Councillors in East Devon have been quizzed, ranked and thanked by students at Sidmouth College this week as they took part in a special Political Speed Dating session with sixth formers on Wednesday 13 February.

Eight Members of East Devon District Council and one from Sidmouth Town Council were put to the test by over 50 students at the college in quick fire three minute sessions, during which they were faced with all sorts of tricky topics as they competed for votes from discerning young people.

Questions ranged from traditional topics such as the role of Councillors and their reasons for being a Councillor, to more challenging lines of enquiry, such as views on gay marriage, public tansport issues and coalition government.

Following the ‘Speed Dates’ pupils picked the person who’d won their vote, with Cllr Martin Gammell, East Devon District Councillor for Whimple , coming out on top with the most votes. It was Cllr Gammell’s third year in a row being crowned winner at Sidmouth College.

Cllr Martin Gammell, East Devon District Councillor for Whimple said:

“I’m really pleased to have won the students’ vote today, but the real winners are all of the young people who put us to the test. They asked some great questions and hopefully found out a bit more about local democracy. It’s not always seen as the most exciting topic, but it makes a real difference to people’s everyday lives in all sorts of ways. It was good to get that message across and encourage the next generation of voters thinking about the issues.

“Politics needs more young people involved, and given the quality of the questions today it would be great if a few of these students thought about standing for election in the future!”

The event wasn’t just about introducing students to local democracy, but also about taking on board young people’s views on the local area, the council and its work. Previous sessions have led to questions about youth bus ticket prices in Parliament, and an approach to the Local Government Association to lobby the Government on lowering the voting age.

Cllr Christine Drew, East Devon District Council’s Member Champion for Youth was one of the Councillors taking part in the event. She said: “We’ve all been well and truly grilled today! But it’s wonderful for councillors to get out there and meet young people, many of whom don’t always think about letting us know their views in other ways. These events bring out all sorts of ideas about where we can try to make a difference, and I’m sure all of us who took part will leave with a few bits of inspiration for the future.”

The fast and fun ‘Speed Dating’ format found favour with pupils at the College who wasted no time getting stuck in to the issues.

Sue Hurley, Head of Sixth Form at Sidmouth College said: “At Sidmouth College Sixth Form we aim to educate our students for real life, not just for grades. By taking part in this event we help educate them about issues in society which will be all the more relevant as they reach voting age soon. It’s important for us to produce good students who are also well rounded citizens, and we’re grateful to the East Devon District Council staff and Members who have made a real impact today.”